Vegetable prices are showing mixed trends in Delhi despite the rise in heat wave
The heat wave has just started over the northern plains of the country while it is causing significant discomfort in eastern, central and western India.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its latest forecast said that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist over eastern and southern peninsular India for the next five days, while another spell of rainfall accompanied by thundershowers or lightning and gusty winds is likely over the northwest. India can keep temperatures low from April 26 to 28.
Of the commodities affected by the intense heat, vegetables are among the most vulnerable as storage and warehousing become difficult, increasing the risk of spoilage.
Data sourced from the agmarket portal shows that in Delhi’s Azadpur mandi, prices of key vegetables have shown a mixed trend in the past few months, with some rising but the majority showing a downward trend.
The scenario could change drastically in the coming weeks, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) warning of inflation risks due to extreme weather events.
Meanwhile, a study by scientists at PUSAN National University in Korea revealed that people with disabilities had a 1.07 times higher risk, with a fourfold increase in admissions and seven times higher medical costs, compared to people without disabilities due to heat waves.
It found that people with disabilities are more vulnerable to hospitalization, especially due to the onset of mental illness and respiratory diseases.
In addition, individuals with brain injury conditions and severe physical disabilities, women, and people over 65 years of age were also more vulnerable to the effects of heat exposure.
First print: April 25, 2024 | 12:21 pm IST